Brain injury and emotions

A brain injury can change the way people feel or express emotions. A person with TBI can have several types of emotional problems.

Difficulty controlling emotions or “mood swings”

Some people may experience emotions very quickly and intensely but with very little lasting effect. For example, they may get angry easily but get over it quickly. Or they may seem to be “on an emotional roller coaster” in which they are happy one moment, sad the next and then angry. This is called emotional lability.

What causes this problem?

Mood swings and emotional lability are often caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls emotions and behavior.

Often there is no specific event that triggers a sudden emotional response. This may be confusing for family members who may think they accidently did something that upset the injured person.

In some cases the brain injury can cause sudden episodes of crying or laughing. These emotional expressions or outbursts may not have any relationship to the way the persons feels (in other words, they may cry without feeling sad or laugh without feeling happy). In some cases the emotional expression may not match the situation (such as laughing at a sad story). Usually the person cannot control these expressions of emotion.

What can be done about it?

Fortunately, this situation often improves in the first few months after injury, and people often return to a more normal emotional balance and expression.

If you are having problems controlling your emotions, it is important to talk to a physician or psychologist to find out the cause and get help with treatment.

Counseling for the family can be reassuring and allow them to cope better on a daily basis.

Several medications may help improve or stabilize mood. You should consult a physician familiar with the emotional problems caused by brain injury.

What family members and others can do:

Take the person to a quiet area to help him or her calm down and regain control.

Acknowledge feelings and give the person a chance to talk about feelings.

Provide feedback gently and supportively after the person gains control.

Gently redirect attention to a different topic or activity.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or nervousness that is out of proportion to the situation. People with brain injury may feel anxious without exactly knowing why. Or they may worry and become anxious about making too many mistakes, or “failing” at a task, or if they feel they are being criticized. Many situations can be harder to handle after brain injury and cause anxiety, such as being in crowds, being rushed, or adjusting to sudden changes in plan.

Some people may have sudden onset of anxiety that can be overwhelming (“panic attacks”). Anxiety may be related to a very stressful situation — sometimes the situation that caused the injury — that gets “replayed” in the person’s mind over and over and interferes with sleep (“post traumatic stress disorder”). Since each form of anxiety calls for a different treatment, anxiety should always be diagnosed by a mental health professional or physician.

What causes anxiety after TBI?

Difficulty reasoning and concentrating can make it hard for the person with TBI to solve problems. This can make the person feel overwhelmed, especially if he or she is being asked to make decisions.

Anxiety often happens when there are too many demands on the injured person, such as returning to employment too soon after injury. Time pressure can also heighten anxiety.

Situations that require a lot of attention and information-processing can make people with TBI anxious. Examples of such situations might be crowded environments, heavy traffic or noisy children.

What can be done about anxiety?

Try to reduce the environmental demands and unnecessary stresses that may be causing anxiety.

Provide reassurance to help calm the person and allow them to reduce their feelings of anxiety when they occur.

Add structured activities into the daily routine, such as exercising, volunteering, church activities or self-help groups.

Anxiety can be helped by certain medications, by psychotherapy (counseling) from a mental health professional who is familiar with TBI, or a combination of medications and counseling.

Depression

Feeling sad is a normal response to the losses and changes a person faces after TBI. Feelings of sadness, frustration and loss are common after brain injury. These feelings often appear during the later stages of recovery, after the individual has become more aware of the long-term situation. If these feelings become overwhelming or interfere with recovery, the person may be suffering from depression.

Symptoms of depression include feeling sad or worthless, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from others, loss of interest or pleasure in life, lethargy (feeling tired and sluggish), or thoughts of death or suicide.

Because signs of depression are also symptoms of a brain injury itself, having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean the injured person is depressed. The problems are more likely to mean depression if they show up a few months after the injury rather than soon after it.

What causes depression?

Depression can arise as the person struggles to adjust to temporary or lasting disability and loss or to changes in one’s roles in the family and society caused by the brain injury.

Depression may also occur if the injury has affected areas of the brain that control emotions. Both biochemical and physical changes in the brain can cause depression.

What can be done about depression?

Anti-depressant medications, psychotherapy (counseling) from a mental health professional who is familiar with TBI, or a combination of the two, can help most people who have depression.

Aerobic exercise and structured activities during each day can sometimes help reduce depression.

Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it is not anyone’s fault. Depression is an illness. A person cannot get over depression by simply wishing it away, using more willpower or “toughening up.”

It is best to get treatment early to prevent needless suffering. Don’t wait.

Temper outbursts and irritability

Family members of individuals with TBI often describe the injured person as having a “short fuse,” “flying off the handle” easily, being irritable or having a quick temper. Studies show that up to 71% of people with TBI are frequently irritable. The injured person may yell, use bad language, throw objects, slam fists into things, slam doors, or threaten or hurt family members or others.

What causes this problem?

Temper outbursts after TBI are likely caused by several factors, including:

Injury to the parts of the brain that control emotional expression.

Frustration and dissatisfaction with the changes in life brought on by the injury, such as loss of one’s job and independence.

Feeling isolated, depressed or misunderstood.

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, expressing oneself or following conversations, all of which can lead to frustration.

Tiring easily.

Pain.

What can be done about temper problems?

Reducing stress and decreasing irritating situations can remove some of the triggers for temper outbursts and irritability.

People with brain injury can learn some basic anger management skills such as self-calming strategies, relaxation and better communication methods. A psychologist or other mental health professional familiar with TBI can help.

Certain medications can be prescribed to help control temper outbursts.

Family members can help by changing the way they react to the temper outbursts:

Understand that being irritable and getting angry easily is due to the brain injury. Try not to take it personally.

Do not try to argue with the injured person during an outburst. Instead, let him or her cool down for a few minutes first.

Do not try to calm the person down by giving into his or her demands.

Set some rules for communication. Let the injured person know that it is not acceptable to yell at, threaten or hurt others. Refuse to talk to the injured person when he or she is yelling or throwing a temper tantrum.

After the outburst is over, talk about what might have led to the outburst. Encourage the injured person to discuss the problem in a calm way. Suggest other outlets, such as leaving the room and taking a walk (after letting others know when he/she will return) when the person feels anger coming on.

If you or your family members are experiencing anxiety, feelings of sadness or depression, irritability or mood swings, consider asking your doctor:

Would psychological counseling be helpful?

Would an evaluation by a psychiatrist be helpful?

Are there medications that can help?

More about medications

If you or your family member tries a medication for one of these problems, it is very important to work closely with the physician or other health care provider who prescribes them. Always make a follow-up appointment to let him or her know how the medication is working, and report any unusual reactions between appointments. Remember that:

There can be a delay until the beneficial effects of medications are felt.

Doses might need to be adjusted by your doctor for maximum benefit.

You may need to try one or more different medications to find the one that works best for you.

Except in an emergency, you should not stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.

Peer and other support

Remember, too, that not all help comes from professionals! You may benefit from:

A brain injury support group — some are specialized for the person with TBI, others are for family members, and others are open to everyone affected by brain injury.

Peer mentoring, in which a person who has coped with brain injury for a long time gives support and suggestions to someone who is struggling with similar problems.

Check with your local Brain Injury Association chapter to find out more about these resources. Go to www.biausa.org to find brain injury resources near you.

Talk to a friend, family member, member of the clergy or someone else who is a good listener.

Recommended reading

Living with Brain Injury: A Guide for Families, Second Edition (Paperback) by Richard C Senelick and Karla Dougherty, Healthsouth Press, 2001.

Making Life Work After Head Injury: A Family Guide for Life at Home. Author: South Carolina, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Division, and National Head Injury Foundation (U.S.), Florida Association. Publisher: S.C. Dept. of Disabilities and Special Needs, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Division, 1994.

Our health information content is based on research evidence and/or professional consensus and has been reviewed and approved by an editorial team of experts from the TBI Model Systems.

AuthorshipEmotional Problems after TBI was developed by Tessa Hart, PhD and Keith Cicerone, PhD, in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Portions of this document were adapted from materials developed by the UAB TBI Model System, the Mayo Clinic TBI Model System, the New York TBI Model System, the Carolinas Rehabilitation and Research System, and from Picking up the Pieces after TBI: A Guide for Family Members, by Angelle M. Sander, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine (2002).

Comments (90)

Why don't you say anything about the role stress plays in triggering the limbic systems fight ,flight or freeze response and the "Amygdala Hijack?" The amygdala is the culprit to most of what you mention here. It's no wonder there are so many veterans taking their lives because all this article does is increase the burden of brain injury and does little to educate people about the consequences of brain injuries.

Hi,
I am a recovering motorcycle accident I had a head injury and lost memory for about 3 months. I am now back to work with full memory. The issue I am having is my husband he actually had a moderate to severe head injury along with leg injury needing rods, plates and screws.
His TBI is the issue he has emotion liabilty, executive function deficit, memory and emotional outbursts. Today he told me he was going to kill me and kill himself and burn the house with excessive verbal profane name calling slamming his fist on the table and came right up to me and tried to stare me down. This man is 6 2 and very strong but vulnerable with his leg injury. How do you deal with this I just left the house and walking away giving no response does not work. I need some guidance can anyone help

My mum has brain injury
And I find it hard sometimes to be patient as most of the time I’m always shouted at she says the most hurtful negative things to me where I’ve realised it’s causing me to have mental exhaustion specially already working in a stressful environment it doesn’t always help coming home to such an environment everything she sees it being negative nothing is ever good enough

I have a 30-year-old son that has anoxic brain damage, June 5th, 2014 he suffered a massive heart attack with multi-organ failure, both lungs collapsed, and he was in a coma for nearly a month after someone shot him up with Heroin laced with fentanyl. It nearly killed me to see him this way, but I stood by his side this whole time which he has improved far beyond what doctors thought He is physically independent living next door to me, that is very helpful because for the last 3yrs all of his friends deserted him. He is taking mood stabilizer's and depression meds as well as Vyvanse for concentration. In the last year, he has gotten worse with the verbal abuse towards me (Mother). I've read all the articles you can imagine about people with TBI and how they feel, how to deal with it as a caregiver, and I have been so supportive and loving to him. He is my only Son that I love with all my heart, but it is starting to affect me a lot, what should or can I do?

Hang in there. I'm praying for you. Brain injuries are not easy. But just keep in mind, it isn't you, it's the injury. You sound like a beautiful person taking care of your son. Keep loving him, I know you do. Try and focus on the good things, I know sometimes that's hard. Find a support group.

I had a severe tbi when i was 13 y/o. And was comatose for 2 months. I am now 64 y/o and my employment record is spotty. I don't have any short-term recall, so when things happen i will have no memory of it later, when you have to write Progress Notes. I keep a short list of the clients eating, medication adm., or E.R. visits. But i am unable to recall any direct conversations that occurred, between the clients or with me. I am not sure how to maneuver my way around this. Do you have any suggesstions?

I was struck by a vehicle, and nearly killed, when I was 2 years old. At a young age, I was outgoing and extroverted. As a freshman I became crippled by social anxiety and have lived so ever since. I am now 36 years old with a family of my own still searching for answers. I am exhausted of telling doctors my story and just feeling sedated as they shift me from medication to medication. Looking for other direction to turn! Any help? Please!

If you could contact your Local Vocational Rehabilitation Office. In your area. They work with survivors of TBI and could find a job for you that is much more friendly and aware of your special needs due to your injury. And would be accomodating to your needs. I go to a Psychologist that works with survivors of TBI, and she is very knowledgable on my job problems.
Good Luck, Debbie Hunt

I was a victim of crime, shot in the head when I was 15 on November 16th 2009. When I came out my coma I spent 1 month in rigorous therapy then continued my treatment as an outpatient. It’s now been 8 years and only NOW are the effects of my accident kicking in. I feel like my life is falling apart and often have this feeling of being “out of place” or that I am losing myself. The feelings are getting worse and I have been getting treatment/medications but I feel like it’s not helping. I don’t know where to go now, I feel that I am losing hope... and I can’t find anyone that has dealt with this. I am just looking for advice on how to cope.

I understand completely. I was in a car accident 2 years ago and recently I've become a complete stranger. I fly off the handle for no reason, I say things I don't mean, act impulsively and verbally lash out at anyone who is within ear shot. My mouth spouts off very hateful things. Especially to the one person who has loved me in spite of the hot mess I've become. I am so grateful to find out that there is a reason this is happening.

went thru same with my son from drunk driver. We used Superfoods Chlorella and spirulina to give brain mega nutrition so it fix itself. Hes 32 and undergoing surgery for tumor on amygdala this year and it has given quality of life. he is only subject at UCLA who is not in wheelchair or on IV o r oxygen. Plus his tumor is not growing. best of all his energy and focus are good enough for him to remain independent and work pt. look it up on YouTube

That's terrible. I'm 14 yrs. after a near fatal brain injury and your words resonated with me completely. Although certain "circuits" still don't appear to operate, the constant feeling of dread and anxiety just "went away" about a year or so ago. To tell you the truth I had to simplify my life somewhat to stop the series of mental and nervous breakdowns I was becoming so good at "sailing through" although as you know, it's just horrible. I can analyze things much better now but emotionally I can't relate to anyone from the time period of my injury. Which I am being punished for by some very non-understanding people. So, same s***, different day is what I suppose I'm saying. It DOES get better.

Almost 4 months ago, I was the VICTIM OF AN EXTREMELY VIOLENT PHYSICAL ASSAULT BY AN AUTISTIC MALE ADULT THAT LEAD TO SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA (CONCUSSION HAS DETERIORATED INTO HEMANGIOMA AND STILL WAITING FOR AN ANGIOGRAM MRI TO FIGURE OUT IF MAIN VEINS ARE INJURED) PLUS EYE TRAUMA (HE TRIED TO GOUGE MY LEFT EYE OUT) AS HE TWISTED MY NECK AND OF COURSE PTSD. I WAS ASSAULTED FROM BEHIND (NEVER SAW IT COMING), UNAWARE AND UNPROVOKED!!!!
I was working a spring-summer contract as an educational gardener, teaching schoolchildren how to plant seeds and create organic vegetable gardens in their schoolyards. This summer, my boss had the brilliant idea of not only offering this service to kindergartens and schools but also an autistic center. I was not comfortable with this since I had no training in dealing with mentally challenged adults.
I did plant the seeds with a group composed of mostly Down Syndrome adults because they were more functional unlike the other patients (they call them clients) that were autistic. I had to return almost every week to check on the seedlings, and make sure they were watered. I must admit I never felt comfortable in this environment nor did I feel safe.
On a beautiful afternoon in June I went to the Autistic Center, I followed the procedure, open the main door and stay there until the person in charge would fetch me and open the door to the plant area (a room that could also be accessed by the outside without having to go through the center where all the clients (autistic people) where hanging out. The moment I opened the main door I felt something was wrong, its hard to tell what it was among the moaning, screaming, whatever other noises but there was violence in the air.
It happened as the person in charge and I were opening the door to the plant area. Not only did he assault me, his mother was there to pick him up, after he assaulted me he turned to his mother and violently attacked her in front of me grabbing her by the hair and hitting her...the story goes on.
I was told by the person in charge that I had TRIGGERED him because I happened to walk in !!!! Really stupid thing to say to someone that has just been assaulted. I guess the person in charge was trying to put the blame on me when it was her decision to let me in knowing this autistic person was already having a meltdown before I walked in hence my feeling of violence in the air was real. I could have gone through the outside door and not have to deal with going through the center. I continued my duties, watering the plants, although I was very dizzy and my eye was in bad shape, guess the adrenaline was on, I could not continue because I was shaking (this lasted 8 hours). After the assault, the person in charge wanted me to come back through the center, at that point I was traumatized and refused to go back in as she tried to tell me it was OK (OK? the person in charge obviously lacked proper judgement and the autistic center does not have any security measures, no male presence to subdue with strength out of control clients, and probably no cameras...).
I have been trying to deal with this new situation in my life, its extremely difficult and sad and getting quite frustrating. This is a difficult case since I am in the grey zone, I am a victim of criminal physical assault yet because he is autistic it rules out pressing charges or getting help as a victim of assault. I can only press charges on the Center for lack of protection, security measures and judgement. Up to now, the personal injury lawyers I have called to inquire about what to do seem quite interested until they ask my age (around 50) then they just say I dont have enough proof (?!) and they cant take this case!!!
I am in Canada, more specifically in Quebec (Montreal) can anyone recommend a personal injury lawyer or anyone with knowledge of the legal system it seems like I am being tossed into the cracks of the system and being left to rot...autistic people seem to have more rights than myself..this incident has left me completely at loss of everything regarding a normal functioning life..all the important spheres of life have been severely affected : family, work, physical and mental...not looking forward to winter since I have become dependent on others to drive me to my appointments and anything concerning chores (my eyesight is totally messed up)...I am now dealing with the brain trauma and that is sad enough.

I am so sorry to hear what happened to you, But I would hold the center as well as the guardian of this person that attacked you accountable for his actions, I am worried that this will eventually happen in my situation, going from verbal to physical abuse by my son. I really hope you recover 100% and again I am so sorry to hear what happened, hang in there and do what you can to have justice served

Hello to all!
My mom suffered 2 brain aneurysms, she's 2 years post, and really having problems with depression and anxiety. I'm her oldest (29), a brother who is (17) and a sister (7) who is Autistic. She's loosing her home, her husband died and it makes me really sad. She was a nurse, so all of this is really hard for her, as well as us. She'll never be the same although she can somewhat function properly. This has taken a toll on my life as well. I wish you all nothing but the best wishes! TBI's are hard.

Yes it's very hard. I just turned 38 yrs old, had 2jobs, life, car, apartment and bf. 1/2017 was my Anuerysms (2.5). I had brain surgery and tons rehab thkgoodness. My doctor say if I wasn't young the brain surgery would be a success. I lost all I had except God never left my side or me. I'm thkful to be able to talk, walk and be here. I see life differently now.

After years of dizziness and migraines as a child the doctors excused these symptoms as growing pains... in 2004, at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma. I responded by doing everything the medical field was telling me to do for this Brain Tumor. I had radio surgery and was watched for a few years. After the surgery, I was told by my doctor "You won't even know you had the surgery". So when my symptoms grew even worse, I went in for a scheduled check-up. When the doctor asked how things were going? I told him, and this was his response! "I can do another operation". My response to that was "No Thank you". The professional doctor slammed my file on his desk, would no longer look at me and said " There is nothing more I can do for you". Let's just say my life has never been the same, I don't know what is in store for me...Hopefully I will be able to take care of myself one way or another when I don't even know who I am...

12 times with a concussion, at least the ones that put me out. I never felt any irritability until the last one. Now I'm a monster, I barely make it through my days, and if someone slams the door, or complains about their life, or tries to dump their stress on me, I just break down and start screaming and cussing and punching. I know I am ruining my family, my children are scared to death of me, my wife is an angel but I fear her grace won't last. I think about suicide every day, but can't go through with it too afraid I would mess up my children. I don't have any friends anymore I can't stand my family and haven't spoken with any of them for years. I've worked really hard to try to get better spent lots of money and time on therapies and different diet and supplements. I barely function at work I just go to work and back to the house and when I'm home I lock myself in my room, it's been two years. I have to stay distracted hundred percent of the time, if I'm not distracted my thoughts will race and I will think about everyone and what they're thinking about me and how they weren't there for me or how they wrong to me and Boom, rage. I went from being physically active and a very good athlete, to a guy that can't do 10 push-ups, not because my body won't do it but because my head freaks out I get this crazy popping in my head and my ears and my eyes, and then I go into to rage then it's fatigue. Not just a regular fatigue, but if a T where I don't have the energy to connect for a conversation with anybody. I already only connect with my wife and my two younger children, I can't stand my older kids and they are angels. This is not life, it's just hell!

Hang in there and if you have the ability, find some respect living by the golden rule and cease being a jerk to those around you. I don’t care how hard it is for you to be nice, you are responsible for yourself.

Ok. First you are not alone-others are and have been thru this! That does not mean it is not hell right now in your life!!! :-( But I can tell you beyond a doubt major positive changes can happen--and i am only one testament. It means there is Great Hope, with time and good help.

I offer the below as a fellow TBI'er, graduate of a Intensive Cognitive Rehab Program (fyi was rejected at firect because I was in too bad a mental state), and for over two years working at a Brain Injury Model System Magnet rehab hospital with outstanding outpatient programs and and with a passion for brain science and Emotional Regulation & Support groups.

Having what I call the "Cumulative Effect" (Personally having 18+ know LOC/unconsciousness with two more serious 'TBI's" that sent me into a totally different league in terms of cognitive & in particular "Emotional Dis-Regulation". Emotional Issues are the 2nd Half of the TBI Equation--albeit less know and understood in my humble option.

So What you are going thru is fairly normal after TBI, but VERY serious and dr's must be aware even if not a ideal choice. I had ptsd via 9/11 & 2 TBI's. Twice I had to admit self admit myself to a hospital/psychiatric facility to protect myself and my daughter when being overly aggressive in general public or 'overreacting' at home. I will not lie I hated it and left as soon as possible but it still gave me a respite of sorts and a calm environment to help collect my 'confused thoughts' and meds are often introduced.

Would love to share a bit of my learning that has worked for me. For starters Exercise Literally Kills Stress and Builds Brain Cells---Scientific Facts...and if ever get to a level of longer run 4+ for many a meditative state can be a dual benefit as meditation (a kind that resonates for you (progressive muscle, mindfulness, breath focused, gilded audio, or a walk in the woods, Finally I found a study at Mount Sinai for "Emotional Regulation" within the brain Injury population...ongoing, yet pilot year plus study was Very Positive/effective. I took park and it really helped.

Hang in there TIME IS YOUR FRIEND...just try and survive! and make sure you seek help before you lose it.

Two great quotes two exerience pych/BI Dr.'s said:
"You Are Stronger Then You Think" - i did not believe it but it helped ans was true
"You Are Going To Have A Non-Linear Recovery"- so absolutely true. Just make it through the lows ok. Just Survive If You Must--i've been there

Sending Positive Thoughts going you way. I Fully Promise you it can and will get better over time...but deal one minute at a time. Folks are often fearful to seek help, but the def of courageous is acting in spite of fear, not lack of fear.

Two Mantras that kept me alive...find you own.
NEVER GIVE UP, Never Never Give up, Never Never Never Give up!
Faith Not Fear

Hello, im close to 50, an suffered a TBI, loss of consciousness, in a car accident in 2010.
I am a diff person, with many of the symptoms most speak of here.
Worked my entire life in my career field, often 6-7 days, @ 10-16 hrs daily.
I loved my line of work more than most ever get too.
I wish now i hated my job before, so i wouldnt miss being able to do it now.
I was considered 1 of the best in my field, & now i just hate,my life, cuz im mean, frustrated, sad, angry, & have euined nearly all my friendships.
I wish i were more positive, and had a better outlook, but no matter how much i try, i cant find that frame of mind post head injury.
I feel for all of you, because i understand.
& the spouses may have it as hard or harder than the injured.
If my wife was not so supportive, or i had been single before & today, .....Well, lets just say that i prolly wouldnt be typing this, or breathing at all.
I hope you all have better luck than I, at keeping a good outlook on life, & trying to learn to manage your ptsd, anxiety, & anger issues with each passing day.
I figure if its not gotten better much in 7 yrs, its prolly not.
Done tons of doctors, meds, therapy, U name it.
Church prolly helped the most, but my best friend was a really old farmer from church who died at 98, and although u think u should be happy he had a great life, im really angry cuz i miss him so much.
I starting to cry, just thinking about him now.
May God bless you all, & dont be like me, get up everyday and try your best.
I know what the alternative is, & u dont wanna be there eveey day of your life, just waiting for the day the constant daily pains & headaches go away once & for all.
I may not be able to take my own advice, but hope you all will continue to find hope in ea new day, unlike myself.
Regards

I had frontal lobe surgery in '08 due to a car accident. I don't remember much but I was in the hospital for about 4 months altogether. I thought I was okay but now the longer I'm being faced with life's moments (such as having a family) it is really taking its toll on my family. i never knew why I would get anxiety and overwhelmed by such little stupid things but finding information out there is really helping me understand what I need to do to live a good life

I fell out of tree about 25 feet & landed on a piece of wood. I hit my head hard. My head is slightly misshapen, my back broke in many places (ribs, shoulder blades & spinal damage). It was bad. I remember coming to on the wood pile, ringing in my ears, and not being able to move my legs. I flipped myself over, sat my top half on my bottom half and crawled until I could pull myself up. This happened when I was 8. I'm now 34. I can walk, but my back hurts constantly. Along with my hips and my head. I have pressure in my head constantly. I feel like I have a permanent headache. I have a very short memory, I have to make notes everyday so I don't forget what I'm doing. I get moments where I'm just enraged at the stupidest things. My fingers if the tips are hit just right I hear ringing in my ears, get hot, feel like I'm going to pass out, become nauseous & then lose my vision for a few minutes. Its awful. I never thought a game of hide & seek would leave me like this. As I've gotten older my memory is getting worse & where I broke arthritis is setting in & hurts. Life goes on & you deal with the pain. Brain injuries are no joke.

I was pitching in a baseball game at the age of 13 and took a 120 mph line drive to the back of the head (occipital lobe). I was unconscious, throwing up on the mound, and rushed to the hospital. Spent a week in ICU with a brain contusion, fortunately, surgery wasn't needed. I'm 24 years old now and looking back at all these symptoms; I had them shortly after and still have them today. It's scary. I'm now more aware of what exactly happened and the effects of it, but I still have major episodes of anxiety throughout the day everyday. As much as I remind myself why I feel so much anxiety, the anxiety is still there. I get anxiety from having to or wanting to speak about things. It's unexplainable but it's there. I just keep plugging along the best I can.

I injured my frontal lobe on the left side in June of 2016 went through a time of panic and anxiety thought I was having heart attacks pain everywhere could not sleep called into work almost daily because could not function went to several doctors they could not or would not listen because I answered their question truthfully about my feelings of self harm . I cant drive very much due to this took my vision away to a large degree I know I am slowly healing but it is hard and hours just pass me by I do not want to harm myself or others I just want my previous life back because My wife and I had plans for our future as retired persons. I know there is hope and I am making progress ever so slowly I just can't go to see these doctors because it is 15 minutes and get out the just want me to leave they know they don't have the tools to meet my many needs. All i feel that I need is to have God, and family and friends plenty of rest and stop looking for solutions on the web I used to be the go to guy for all things I knew it and could solve it now I have to go slow and remember sometimes I can then sometimes days later it comes and I fell better because all is not lost it is just creating new pathways of missing thoughts to get back to my normal process I know I do not make a lot of sense right now ,but six moths ago I was a serious basket case I am planning to make a complete recovery because I can look around and see family and grandchildren that need me to return to them as I was before and not this sick person they have to come in to see and hug and then be quite because I can take the crowds or noise this is a goal I have set to work toward happiness and my happiness is me doing my best to make others happy it is like help others and you will be blessed 10 times over for your good deeds. Please remember God is touching me and has blessed me and he will put people and things in your life that will help you . All you have to do is ask and it will happen.

I fell two weeks ago and broke my nose but my head - above my eyebrow - took the brunt of my fall. I still have a red bump which is tender and painful, causing me headaches and insomnia. I slept too much the first week, now I have insomnia. I can't seem to regulate my sleep, anxiety, and depression. It is quite scary.

My 8 yr old son fell backwards and hit his head on the ice playing hockey and he felt nauseous and dizzy for a few days after. He was also waking up numerous times in the the night for many nights freaking out, feeling extreme anger and agitation but not understanding why. I appreciate reading people's stories here and can see that this is part of the concussion issue. It is sad how so many of you are suffering. :( I pray for healing for all of you!!...

My son (age 9) just had shunt put in for nph and its his 4th brain surgery. He has a rare brain cyst, cluster headaches and now hydrocephalus. His second he suffered a stroke that affected the emotion area of his brain. He cries, can't control anger, and can not deal with not controlling situations. I don't know what to do. We have four kids and it's hard. We try to be there, love him through it, and pray God gives him peace with it. I'm sorry you suffer so much and we will pray for you!

I recently had a large menangioma removed from my frontal lobe. Literally, 3 weeks ago. I'm still in the healing phase with the scabbing and glue from the incision. Within the last week, I feel like an emotional train wreck. Ups and downs. Anger. Crying. It's like it's never-ending. I feel like I'm losing my mind and it scares the crap out of me even more. Please tell me that there is some sunshine at the end of my storm. ðŸ˜¢

Everything you are feeling is 100% normal for what you have been through!!! My son in law had a grade 5 brain aneurysm with 0 chance of surviving Without all the gruesome terrifying months of progress and setbacks he has recovered.

It took 6 weeks in a coma, many setbacks, 3 hospitals and an enormous amount of fear versus hope, inner strength and the knowledge that somehow he would be s functional human being again!

He is home he is walking he is speaking his eyes were an enormous issue with dizziness and double vision His passion is baseball and even though he cannot YET get in a car and drive and is somewhat dependent at time he wakes up everyday and workouts rides his stationary bike , walks on treadmill and goes to as many games his sons play There is so much more he can walk with a cane was wheelchair bound ... You can do this you can and will get stronger and beat the odds You are entitled to your moments but try and get pass them Push yourself when you can and get plenty of rest!!!! Do not give up!!! You are still in the early stages and are probably still in shock and depression Be kind to yourself take your time be brave You can and will heal!!!!!! Good luck to you!!!!! Don’t give up!!!!!!

I suffered from an A.B.I. at the age of 19. The major issues that I suffered seem to have subsided but many of the deeper and invisible issues have remained. For instance tension in head and jaw, losing my temper, controlling my emotions and a feeling of inadequacy. I have carried on to have a good life. I have two beautiful boys and a partner who puts up with all my quirks. But I can't get over feeling like a failure. I have no idea what can help in the future, and maybe nothing will. I just hope that I can learn to relax and not get so upset or cry at the drop of a hat.

My Common Law BF had a TBI at the age of 15, he was in a head-on collision when he suffered his TBI, he was in a coma for about a week and almost died from severe brain swelling, his now 46 and He reacts severely to small changes, he rarely shows empathy and goes into rages regularly, he says he cant control himself, he recovers from a rage within 5 minutes sometimes, other times it can last up to 3 days, his has excessive moodiness and goes into an immidiate rage right out of a midday nap or after sleep, its weird we've been together 7 years and never seen him act normally after waking up from a midday nap he goes right into war mode, there were times his opened his eyes at 3am and threw me on the floor and told me to get the f out of his house, called me a million names, rolled over and went back to sleep. Ive since learned not to be home when his napping, there are other issues too, like when he wants something he has to have it that same minute, much like a child his needs must be met immidiately, he has zero patience for anything, after living with him a while I notice how abnormally he acts to everyday little mishabs of lifes curve balls, in his mind things have to go exactly the way he thinks they should go, because he has terrible issues with having to solve his own problems without getting angry about the smallest annoying things.....honestly the stuff he complains about is not a big deal , to him its a major issue that has to be fixed immediately, and not fixed by him but by someone else which is usually me, he has connection issues, intimacy issues, and acts very much like a personality disordered Narcissist, and after his accident he started drinking and remained an alcoholic until the age of 42, i think drugs and alcohol slowed is brains ability to heal properly, he also says he had to relearn how to talk and do many other things on his own after his accident, and theres a large portion of his life that has been erased during that time in his life, I really think 31 years later his personal life was severly impacted because his unstable emotional state, he has been in about 15 relationships and has had children with other women, nobody could seem to put up with his shit, I've had him arrested several times, had him forced into all sorts of programming and rehab, his life suffers because of the impact of his TBI, our relationship has suffered, but thats the only way I could help him by pointing out all his problems and forcing him to take accoubtibility and teach him to take responsibility for the way he is, we have many ups and downs and Ive given him 2 sons, and they are teaching him new ways of dealing with life, teaching him patience and love, he didnt get the opportunity to raise his older children and Ive givin him another chance, since then he has a better handle on himself since quitting alcohol almost 4 years ago, and him going to rehab and we've seen some improvement with him, his done programming to help teach him how to react differently, but I think he needs to get a follow up on his brain injury, since the technology from 30 years ago has come a long way......he does much better now that his focusing on work , but even his job suffers if he has a rage fit, he wont go to work or call his boss, I only see him as a mentally Emotionally Disabled person who needs his family, because his a complete mess when were hone and his left alone .... I only can encourage him to get testing done on his brain, and see where he is 31 years later, with memory, emotional and physical aspects of his brain, Im really interested, I just hope he agrees to see a doctor for his brain soon, Good luck to you and your familys dealing with TBI, wish nothing but the best for all you sufferers ðŸ˜Š

Nice to find an explanation to my mood changes. Had a cavernous hemangioma removed (right frontal lobe). 3 weeks later infection in the head "bone flap removal" 7 months later cranial plate installed. All this to stop grand mal seizures, they came back. Have not done well since. Problem keeping a job, impulsive behavior, depression. Doctor said no problem quick surgery, back to work 6 weeks.

Oh man, where do I start, my brain injuries are many, a series of sports related concussions over many years, a few black out falls. And then the discovery of a brain tumor, non cancerous, yet in a very critical area of the brain. Surgery followed and a week after I suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, leading to a week of comatose.

I would spend the next 6-8 weeks getting inpatient treatment and a lot of out patient treatment would follow. While all this sounds scary, and it was, I was in no way prepared for life following these events, after taking a fall at home (black out), i had hit my head on a cast iron bathtub, this was only 3-4 months after all the surgery stuff. It's like every possible symptom of PTSD and PCS were taking over my life, and I was not aware of what any of those things were until seeing a series of specialists.

It took a few years until I could comfortably function at work( I am a municiple arborist.) Yet even after all of these years since, I seem to be stuck with many behavioural challenges, some of which have caused problems with my supervisors and co-workers. I so wish not to be this difficult, as I was never that person before. So I am in ongoing therapy, with both medicine and a psychiatrist.

While I love quiet time, with the dogs and my wife, the challenges of work are at times quite overwhelming.

I have a daughter that had a brain injury due to being in a abusive relationship she's now in a rehabilitation center and wants to come home but can't because she not doing the therapy and is refusing to and throwing tantrums what do I do?

Got a TBI from a car accident in Sept 97. The accident was caused by a female passenger who pulled the steering wheel b/c we were having a fight. Spent 5 weeks in the hospital and months in outpatient care. Went back to work after 6 months and things appeared to be getting better. That was short lived and my mental problems returned with a vengeance.

I am 41 yrs old & 8 years post severe TBI and I cannot control my anger or sadness, I'm all over the place! Up and down, up and down.....I feel like but a shell of my former self. Mood stabilizers do not help when you have a lot of damage and millions of brain cells killed off. I'm just supposed to sit here until I rot I suppose. Too chicken s$&t to off myself.....

I know with my ex gf they did she would act like the sweetest nicest person in the world around strangers but with me, she was very abusive verbally and constantly provoke me till I would start swearing back at her. She would also constantly move out then move back in. She would also play the victim and tell ppl she was being abused when it was her who was the abuser. I truly was so in love with her. No matter what I did to help her she portrayed me as the bad person.

My 25 yr. old son suffered a Severe TBI nearly 9 months ago and it has been nothing short of pure HELL!!! Not a day goes by that I feel at peace. I know he must feel this way also. I never know what may "set him off" or cause him to say horrible things to me. I can only temporarily walk away. He now has no friends left, close siblings or co-workers as he once did. He attempted to work, but was overwhelmed by decision making. He will probably have to spend the rest of my life and most of his with me as I am his caregiver. My mother helps, but is at her wits end. I mourn the loss of my old son, and dislike the new son I've been left to manage. I feel like a victim of abuse most days and feel as though I'm stuck in Groundhog Day. I love my son, but hate what this injury has done to him and our lives. I continue to try and keep the peace. I do my best to help him but most days feel like a failure. I feel my own emotional & physical health slipping. I hope he can eventually regain some type of life again. I'm at a loss now as he is " non- compliant" at every turn, yet demands me to comply to his needs at a moments notice.
Give me hope, give me strength to move on.

I'm a 10yr tbi survivor. i also have had those effects, mostly what made me act that way was the meds they put me on!!! I'm not trying to be an idiot here ,please don't take it that way but i tried cannabis and my angry self just went away. i still have days that I'm angry but NO name calling, kicking walls, punching doors and wall or any violence and very few migraines. it has seriously changed my life. good luck.

My brother has a narcsstic personality before the TBI and now a drinking problem. I have prayed for the decoder ring that will help me try and help him. He also suffers from being paranoid again before the TBI. He thinks he is the earth and as his sister I am the sun. Every time I have to deal with him I pray. I try all the expertise I have heard and read but each time I throw myself on a land mine. We talk at each other because he never is wrong. He lost his long term care benefits because he would not listen to the case manger. He is an emotional vampire when he walks into a space it is like the air is sucked out of the room. He is at first very charming but then when he has sucked people dry that dump him and disappear. My mom babied him his whole life and now he is a 54 year old man baby. Sometimes I am afraid of him. Mom was OD at the hospital and died. sorry I don't know why I am writing all this. Today I realize it is ground hogs day Same day over and over. He could careless about me or helping him. He says thank you and all the right things but his words are hollow without any emotion. Wow, I hold a lot inside. I guess today I found this site and I felt your simple word, mean. But behind it I get it. God Bless and tomorrow maybe I will get that decorder ring.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that impacted post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families are thriving long after they return home.

BrainLine is a national service of WETA-TV, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C.